This world never fails to surprise me! I take care of one problem only to be confronted by yet another ‑‑ my unceasing enemies want what is mine. Is it that hard for them to comprehend that I, the Archmagister of Healing, can’t be had so easily? Why, oh why are healers in this world seen as the weakest of the Gifted? It makes no sense to me. In my former world, everybody knew that Healers were to be respected and feared. Ah, well. It won’t be long before they wish they’d never crossed my path. I grow all the more powerful with each new day as I come to better understand this world, so full of possibilities, and so very fun!
I love this guy. I think it’s a combination of his arrogance and loyalty. Always along with a splash of humility when things don’t go as planned. Another solid entry into our hero’s trials as an aristocrat.
I enjoy the story quite a lot— it’s a classic overpowered MC story with the caveat that he’s been reincarnated/ reborn into another world and has to start his powers from scratch. It’s fun to see him get stronger and conquer problem after problem.
The writing style has a good tone of voice and sounds sarcastic and like the whole thing is a big joke. It makes the MC come across as quite callous despite some actions and statements to the contrary.
There are a ton of typos which is always upsetting in a book you have to pay for. Additionally, the writing style is repetitive and simplistic. The main character is essentially monologuing the entire story as if it’s to an enraptured audience giving commentary. This could be interesting, but it’s written like “yes, I did this” and the words “yes”, “in fact”, and a few others are used constantly. It’s extremely repetitive and really yanks me out of the story personally.
That said, it’s a fun read. I’ll probably read the fifth book to find out what happens as the plot is interesting, the world is fun, and it’s extremely creative. I really wish the actual writing (mechanically) were better.
As a side note, there are a few sexist comments and under developed female characters who serve a singular role (female villain who of course poisons her husband and makes all of the stupid decisions thinking she is a genius, female lead who is obsessed with the main character and is helpless until he intervenes). The sexist comments, like of course the woman only cares about how the super expensive and special jewelry looks on her, seem unnecessary in addition to the sexist tropes the female characters fill.
“The Healer's Way, Book 4,” crafted by Oleg Sapphire and Alexey Kovtunov and released in 2024, is a riveting escalation of a portal progression fantasy series that continues to captivate with its blend of dark humor, intricate world-building, and a protagonist who defies expectations. Narrated by the exceptional Jonathan Johns, this audiobook plunges listeners deeper into the saga of Mikhail Bulatov, a master healer reborn in a world that underestimates his craft - only to discover his growing power is both a beacon and a target. This installment refines the series’ strengths, delivering a mix of visceral action, cunning strategy, and unexpected levity that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
The narrative picks up with Mikhail firmly entrenched in his new reality, his influence expanding alongside the Bulatov Family’s reach. Yet, as his power swells, so does the roster of enemies - local aristocrats scheming to dismantle his rise, and offworlders whose portal-hopping raids grow bolder. Book 4 shifts the focus outward, with a standout arc involving the offworlders’ audacious takeover of a neighboring city. This external threat forces Mikhail to flex his dual nature: a healer who mends, but also a tactician who breaks. His approach - turning foes’ strengths into vulnerabilities with surgical precision - is a highlight, underscored by a thrilling sequence where he orchestrates a counterstrike that’s as clever as it is brutal.
Sapphire and Kovtunov deepen the world’s lore, introducing “resonants” - mysterious artifacts tied to the offworlders - that hint at broader cosmic stakes. This addition enriches the setting without overwhelming it, balancing the fantastical with Mikhail’s grounded, sardonic perspective. His humor, a hallmark of the series, shines in moments like his dry commentary on a pompous noble’s downfall or the absurd introduction of a “Corgi Horse,” a stubby-legged beast that injects whimsy into the chaos. These lighter beats contrast beautifully with the darker undertones of betrayal and sacrifice rippling through his inner circle, particularly a wrenching moment where loyalty is tested in blood.
Jonathan Johns’ narration remains a triumph. His Cornish-tinged voice carries Mikhail’s weary resolve and sharp wit with effortless charm, while his range - from the oily menace of an aristocratic foe to the gruff warmth of a new ally - breathes life into the sprawling cast. The audio production is crisp, letting Johns’ pacing amplify the story’s rhythm: slow and deliberate in tense negotiations, rapid and breathless in battle. His performance makes even the quieter character moments - like Mikhail reflecting on his lost world - feel weighty and poignant.
“The Healer's Way, Book 4” has polish and momentum. It’s not without minor flaws - the expanding scope occasionally strains focus, and some side characters feel under-utilized - but these are quibbles in a work that delivers such gripping highs. This audiobook is a testament to the series’ evolution, blending fantasy’s grandeur with a healer’s gritty pragmatism, leaving you eager for the next chapter.
These books only get better! And I absodamnlutely loved ❤ this book! It certainly doesn't collect any moss either! It lands us right where bk3 ended in the same scene with Mikhail Bulatov in a room with a dead mob boss wondering how he's gonna get out in one piece, and from there it takes off running. With the Viscountess Snegirev still set on taking Mikhail out of the picture and taking his land, plus now offworlders have their sights on Mikhail Bulatov land and his mining operations he's even harder pressed but where some might throw up their arms and admit defeat, Mikhail Bulatov sees only opportunities and riches to be gathered. So go grab the book and find out if Mikhail can pull it off! Luckily bk5 will be released next month and I can hardly wait!
Here's a couple of quotes that amused me:
"You won't find any alcohol in heaven.” “Then don't let me die! I beg you!” Alfred looked terrified. “I’ll do whatever you want! More runes, then? Not a problem! I’m raring to go!”
“Well, after all, I am a Healer,” I responded. “Our handwriting is usually deciphered by potion mixers. For them, it’s a required professional skill.”
OK this one was much better than the last one. I feel like the story is actually starting to move forward and I’m starting to be able to see ideas of what the main character might be getting ready to do. There’s also enough threads that give you some wonder and make you curious about what’s gonna happen the author wasn’t constantly alluding to thisworld that was out there that was not being explored by the main character kept things focused. The story moved along and now there’s enough threads to make you wonder and be curious about what’s about to happen this is what was missing from the last two books. it’s just unfortunate. We had to wait until book 4 to get to this point. I will keep reading, but if we lapse back into similar patterns, I will DNF the series.
I received a review copy of this book. The Heal's Way is the fourth book in this series, and it seems that this guy can't catch a break. In this one, he comes the closest to being killed as he's been since the series started, and yet, he's still able to inact some revenge, so the next book looks it's going to be oh so interesting, as some of those plans finally come to fruition. I'm certainly in it for the long haul, so I'll be reading that one for sure. Fun series going on here. Each book progresses the story just that much more, never without giving away too much, so it's a slow progression, but it all appears to be leading up to some spectacular ending, and I want to see it happen. So, keep reading my friends, this one promises to be a whole lot of fun.
Well I have like this series so far. It has it's problems but it's pretty good. This latest installment was pretty weak. Really nothing at all happened. Like nothing. All the little stories from the previous books inched forward slightly in the same progression they were already moving and that's really it. The one change that did occur was slight and not for the better. The relationship between the MC and his love interest (for whom he doesn't seem to have any interest) has gotten a little antagonist. In the previous books she treated him with respect and hinted at a desire for courtship. In this one the respect is gone and mild belligerence has replaced it. Like I said it's slight and since the MC appears to be a eunuch it doesn't really matter.
The war (wars?) continue against the family. Mikhail becomes more and more inventive. Good story and characters.
Wishing for longer books, though. Since the first book they seem to be getting shorter and shorter. If the book is longer there is room for more characters mentioned in the past to be involved.
is a series that I get an ARC of. I check the translation from Russian to English. This is one of the stories that once I finish, I'm looking forward to getting the next ARC in the series. It's just a fun read for me.
8/10 The reviews of the rest of this series will show the same review. I'm trying to help out authors by putting up reviews for the ARCs that have been sent to me.
It's funny, I am reading a legend of the Arch Magus clone after finishing A legend of the Arch Magus book, then I plan to read two more clones after I'm finished with this clone.
I did enjoy this, but it was too short (as always).
I will be picking up the sequel. Time to read my next Legend of the Arch Magus knock off.
Still enjoying this series. Still capturing the attention.. the main character grows in each book where you find you are filly behind him and the actions he takes. Looking forward to book 5.
It is certainly not perfect but it is still a lot of fun. It is interesting to watch all the different schemes clashing amongst the royals. It can be a little repetitive but that is to be expected. I still want to follow along with this story and see where we go.
Some editing issues aside, still fun, fast paced with the characters staying true to the original plot. Fast paced with simple logical world building. Enjoyable series!
It’s truly a little creepy what this Healer can do with his own body, as well as the bodies of others. It really pays to have an author who understands medicine and the human body
Mikhail is great at staying calm and methodical. He devious and manipulative, and I'm shocked anyone wants to cross him at this point. I didn't expect the seal, and so that's an interesting new complication. I love the pets, avian and other.
Wow! An action packed book again! We can see how the assets gathered are assisting growth. The fight scenes are great and the changes to the anatomy for defense is very interesting. Looking forward to reading the next book!
The plot is rather turbulent once again forcing the protagonist constantly to react to diverse threats from a multitude of old and new enemies. I found the diverse "shopping/demolution sprees" amusing.